A flexible paper-based hydrogen fuel cell for small power applications

In this work, a paper-based hydrogen fuel cell is developed without the need for hydrogen storage. Instead, an embedded aluminum foil inside the paper is utilized for in-situ hydrogen generation. The electrodes and current collectors are also deposited on the paper, leading to a lightweight, compact and flexible hydrogen fuel cell with an OCV reaching 0.93 V and a peak power density of 4 mW cm−2. Benefited from the impeded hydroxyl ion diffusion, the hydrogen generation rate is well controlled, leading to a high faradaic efficiency of 72%. In addition, the cell can be operated under different bending angles with negligible power loss. Furthermore, it can be conveniently stacked in the same piece of paper for higher voltage and power outputs. Such a novel fuel cell design is especially suitable for powering various flexible devices with small rated power.